She's Up to No Good(49)

“It would take more than you to ruffle my feathers,” she said, gloved hands on her hips.

“Well, either way, settle down. It was a joke, and I don’t need to meet that famed right hook.” She took her hands off her hips, and she and Fred continued walking along the path. “That’s better. And see? This is how I know I like you.”

“Because you might get clocked at any second?”

He grinned, showing off a dimple in his left cheek, the corners of his eyes crinkling into what would become smile lines as he aged. “Absolutely. I like to live dangerously. And I like someone who can keep up with me.”

“Fred, darling, I can run circles around you.”

“I don’t doubt it,” he said, chuckling. “I enjoy being kept on my toes. Do you know how uptight those Radcliffe girls are?”

Evelyn did. “I take it Betty isn’t one of them, then?”

Cocking a finger at her, he smiled again. “And that right there is how I know you like me, too, no matter what you say. You wouldn’t remember her name otherwise.”

“Maybe I just have a fantastic memory.”

He closed his eyes and turned toward her. “What color are my eyes?”

“Excuse me?”

“Let’s test that memory. Come on. What color are they?”

She glanced at his dark hair. “Brown.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, you fool.”

“Well, they’re blue. Now who’s the fool?”

“You really are the most irritating man.”

“I will take being the ‘most’ anything.”

She sighed. “I’m going to have to find a new walking route, aren’t I?”

“Nah. I can take a hint if you spell it out explicitly enough. You want me to leave you alone if I see you again?”

She should say yes. She knew that. But there was something charming in his endless energy and nonstop chatter. Something witty and confident and sassy that matched the same qualities in herself. And he was engaged. Was there any harm in having a male friend as long as there really was no interest?

She knew the answer—Tony wouldn’t like it. He trusted her—she knew he did. He just didn’t trust anyone else.

But Evelyn was a big girl, and she could take care of herself just fine. And bantering with Fred felt more like being with Sam than flirtation. It was like he knew her already—how to push her buttons, how to calm her back down after riling her up. And whether she would admit it to Fred or not, she was enjoying his company.

“I didn’t say that,” she said. “Besides, you keep the criminals and perverts away.”

“Little do they know you’re the one to fear, between the fists and the hat pin. Can I see it, by the way?”

“The right hook?”

“Preferably the hat pin.” She pulled it from her wool cloche hat and held it up for him to see. “Yes, that could do some damage. I’ll make sure I behave.”

“See that you do.”

He offered a sweeping bow. “I shall be a perfect gentleman.” When he straightened, he offered his arm, which she took delicately after replacing the pin. “There now. So tell me more about this fella of yours and why he hasn’t put a ring on your finger yet to make sure everyone knows he claimed you.”

“How do you know I’m not wearing a ring? I have gloves on.”

“Did he cough one up over Thanksgiving, then?”

She removed her hand from his arm and scowled in reply.

“I suppose that’s a no. So what’s the problem there?”

“There’s no problem.”

“You haven’t said his name yet. That’s how I know there’s a problem.”

“Maybe I just don’t tell everyone everything that’s ever happened to me like you do.”

“First of all, I haven’t told you the half of what’s happened to me. You don’t know I had my tonsils out when I was eight or that I’m extremely allergic to paprika.”

“I do now.”

“That’s true. Do you want to know about my cousin Herbie? He ate a grasshopper once.”

Evelyn finally laughed. “I hope you don’t have a roommate. The poor fellow must want to murder you in your sleep if you do.”

“Charlie? Nah. Well, maybe. Let’s not give him a hat pin.” He offered his arm back, and she took it again. “So what’s his name?”

“Tony.”

He shook his head. “No, can’t play that one off as Jewish when your parents find out.” She didn’t reply again. “Come on, you can tell your dear old uncle Fred the whole sad tale.”

“Another time.” They were nearing the turnoff toward her dormitory.

“I’ll walk you home.”

“You’ll do no such thing. I don’t need the gossip.”

“Coffee, then? Tomorrow night?”

And against her better judgment, Evelyn found herself agreeing, which led to the dinner they had just finished eating and the discussion of the Boston Common Christmas lights.

“Then let’s go see the lights.”

“And what would Betty say if she knew you were walking around Boston Common with a beautiful girl doing something as romantic as looking at all the Christmas lights?”